The Francis Hotel
About Our Portland Hotel

A Historic Hotel in Portland Maine with a Past & a Passion

Cozy lounge area with plush chairs, window view, and artwork in Portland Maine hotel.
The Francis Hotel

From Merchant’s Mansion
to Modern Landmark

The rich Portland, Maine history of The Francis—once a forgotten 19th-century mansion, now a cherished boutique hotel. Designed in 1881 by Francis Fassett, one of the city’s most influential architects. The building was originally a private home for Mellen E. Bolster, a successful dry goods merchant. Over the next century, it served many purposes and changed hands more than once, but by 2015 it sat vacant, weathered, and in need of serious care.

Then, a cup of coffee sparked something new.

Local brothers Nate and Tony DeLois were sitting across the street at Tandem Bakery when they spotted the for sale sign on the mansion’s front lawn. With backgrounds in hospitality, real estate, and a deep love for Portland, they teamed up with their brother Jake and longtime friend Jeff Harder to reimagine what this building could be—a hotel that honored its past, welcomed the modern traveler, and contributed to the future of the neighborhood.

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The Restoration

Weaving Modern Comfort into Historic Foundations

The restoration took nearly two years, countless local collaborations, and a whole lot of vision. The team uncovered original stained glass, intricate wood floors hidden beneath decades of carpet, and long-forgotten architectural flourishes. Every decision was made with care: preserving what could be saved, restoring what had been lost, and thoughtfully weaving in modern comforts along the way.

From carving bathrooms out of former closets to building brand-new rooms that still felt true to the original home, The Francis became a blend of craftsmanship and creativity. In 2017, we opened our doors with 15 one-of-a-kind guest rooms and a fresh chapter for one of the West End’s most storied buildings.

Today, The Francis is listed on the National Register of Historic Places—and more importantly, it feels like home for locals and visitors alike.

Beautifully ornate historic fireplace in the lobby of our boutique Portland, Maine hotel
Historic brick building in Portland, Maine's West End; ideal Portland Maine getaway.
Elegant wooden door with stained glass panels leading to a Portland Maine boutique hotel.
Historic clock outside The Francis in Portland Maine's West End, a luxurious boutique hotel.
The Symbol of the Neighborhood

The Clock That Tells a Story

Standing tall along Congress Street, our iconic green Seth Thomas street clock has become a symbol of the neighborhood—but it almost didn’t survive.

Originally installed in 1925 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Hay & Peabody as a business, the clock marked their move into the building that same year. By the time we purchased the property, the cast-iron structure had fallen into serious disrepair—rusted through, missing clock faces, and no longer keeping time. It had even been placed on Greater Portland Landmarks’ “Places in Peril” list, calling attention to its fragile future.

We knew right away that the clock had to stay. With help from community partners and preservation experts, we embarked on a year-long, $50,000 restoration to return it to its original glory. The clock was carefully disassembled, restored by hand, and reinstalled in 2021. Now it gleams once again—lit up at night, keeping time for passersby, and reminding us why preservation matters.

Colorful mural on a brick wall in Portland with the word “Bayside”; rich Portland Maine history.
Stay Where Hospitality Meets Heart
Rooted in Community

Local Ownership with a Local Purpose

At The Francis, being locally owned isn’t just about zip codes—it’s about relationships. We’re proud to support the artists, organizations, and changemakers who help make Portland vibrant and resilient.

We’re corporate sponsors of:

  • Indigo Arts Alliance, a Black-led nonprofit supporting artists of African descent through residency programs and cultural dialogue
  • Mayo Street Arts, which brings community-focused performances and art programming to Portland’s East Bayside neighborhood
  • Maine Inside Out, an organization that uses theater and storytelling to support formerly incarcerated youth
  • Creative Portland, our city’s arts agency, with whom we collaborate on the First Friday Art Walk, featuring local art exhibits through our hotel’s common areas

Our hope is that your stay at The Francis connects you not just to Portland’s past, but also to the people shaping its future.

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